A recent analysis by the American College of Cardiology reveals that regular cannabis use is linked to an increased risk of heart problems. A retrospective study found that cannabis users under 50 had a sixfold higher chance of heart attack, while a meta-analysis of 12 studies showed a 50% increased risk of heart failure among users. Another 2024 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association echoed these findings, associating marijuana use—especially smoking—with higher rates of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. These new findings potentially shine a new light on the perioperative surgery and anesthesia risks of chronic cannabis use. Experts warn that cannabis may carry cardiovascular risks similar to cigarette smoking, and clinicians are encouraged to ask about marijuana use during patient evaluations.
